Features

Intellectual property is an asset that
can create real value for the
businesses that own it. But
convincing a board of directors that
this is so is not always easy. Chief
IP officers from a variety of
companies explain how they did it. Sara-Jayne Clover

A world class speaking faculty of IP thought leaders
debated with delegates from around the word at the
third IP Business Congress, held this year in Munich.
Creating value from IP and other intangible assets was
the theme of the event, and what is abundantly clear is
just how many possibilities there now are to do this for
those willing to think creatively about what they own.

Although BP was aware of the
importance of its corporate
reputation, the company's internal
processes have not helped it to
weather the political and regulatory
storm unleashed by the Deepwater
Horizon disaster.
Nir Kossovsky

The Supreme Court’s recent
decision in the Bilski case should
encourage US patent owners to
undertake a systematic audit of their
portfolios. Failure to do so could end
up being an expensive mistake.
Edward Van Gieson

Recent decisions in the US and
Europe concerning the patentability
of software and business methods
may have provided greater clarity,
but they have not brought further
harmony. This has significant
implications for portfolio
management strategies.
John Collins

Four years ago, Europe’s top
aerospace company decided it
should be making a lot more of its
IP portfolio. Now it is beginning to
roll out a sophisticated licensing
programme. In this article, some of
those involved in developing it
explain how it was done.
Edelbert Haefele, Michael Beyer, Pierre Patrick and Wulf Höflich

Strategic thinking on the creation of
IP value tends to focus on patents.
However, those who open their eyes
will find enormous potential, as well
as major challenges, in what
copyright has to offer.
Joren De Wachter

On 12th July, US President Barack
Obama wrote to Nancy Pelosi,
Speaker of the House of
Representatives, requesting that
she spearhead efforts to ensure
additional funding for the US
Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO).